1) What do you think of music labels sometimes signing contracts with seemingly untalented musicians, and good bands staying underground?
I think it’s a pretty good example of how music is becoming more of a business, and less of an privilege. I know people that make music, because they just want to be in bands. Usually labels sign these kinds of artists, because of the 12-14 year old fan base, that doesn’t have much musical knowledge. And as for the underground part, I think it’s kind of cool, but I really wish some artists I knew got the attention they deserve.
2) What are some things you wish fans would stop doing? Are there any things you’d like them to start?
I can honestly say, I wish our fans would stop being so damn awesome, it makes me realize how un-rad I am. But in all seriousness, nothing really, I wouldn’t change a thing, they have been really supportive and hands on, and we appreciate it.
3) Do you enjoy playing the shows in people’s basements with only 11 people in attendance?
Those are the best shows to play, I used to play at the internet cafe in Red Bank, New Jersey, and seriously Read More
All the way from Belgium five piece rock band, Palomine is doing one of the more interesting things ever seen leading up to an album release. Although “Attention Alpha” (their newest album) is finished, it will not be released until the band receives a video message from one person in every country of the world saying “my name is…and I listen to Palomine,” In their native tongue. The most interesting of the videos will be put together to help form the music video for the single “Never be the Same.” Those who send in video messages will receive a digital download of the album before it is officially released. The album is similar to Kings of Leon but has a sound of its own. This project will hopefully be finished in January or February of 2010. I was given the opportunity to exchange a series of emails with Palomine bassist, Levi Lenaerts and the following is our interview regarding the band and their unique project.
This band has practically exploded over the year. Now with over two million plays, they’re tracing about the entire continental U.S. adding on to their seemingly endless and devoted fanbase. It’s a wonder to everyone how they aren’t yet under a major label and dominating the cover of Alternative Press. But for now they’re going to play a few major dates of this summer’s Warped in the middle of their tour with Stephen Jerzak, Chase Coy, & Romance on a Rocketship. Their essential album, which no SmartPunk user is complete without, titled Honestly, is now being followed by sophomore EP, Emotion, available August 18th. Released from that EP tomorrow is “What Would You Say”, featuring Chicago dweller Tom Higgenson who will never be forgotten as the genius who brought you Hey There Delilah. Breathe Electric’s Grant Harris, Jeff, Carter, Jake, and a man who is frequently mentioned on this page, Vince Pierri, are all headed to your town any day now, but will never stray too far away from their home residing in cornfield covered Lake County. Just recently, I ran into Jeff Geisser (synth player of Breathe Electric) at a small show for Goodbye Gravity (formerly War Against Reality). He was wondering why I never uploaded the video we took almost a year ago. The last time I saw this man it was almost eleven months ago, he had no shirt on, was sporting a full-on beard, and we were in a church. For the longest time, no one has bothered to Read More
“Fans are the main thing that keep us doing what we do. Touring can break you down at times, but fans make it worthwhile.”
What do you think of bands that don’t communicate with their fans ?
I think communicating with fans is one of the most important factors to drawing kids to a show and keeping their loyalty. Bands that don’t maintain that connection with fans are probably going to lose a lot because fans are like our fuel. They keep us going. They always give so we always give back. Without that relationship, being in a band wouldn’t be as fun.
The first thoughts running through your mind right when you’re about to go on ?
Greg: I am always pumped up to play. Of course, I am always thinking about playing perfect and rocking out really hard. But mostly I’m just thinking about having a good time.
Anissa & Alexia, what are the most annoying things that the boys always do on tour ?
The guys in the band aren’t annoying at all! I think we all have our own silly habits like leaving clothes everywhere, chewing too obnoxiously, farting too Read More
We were asked (and happily accepted) an interview. With an artist and in all honesty, I had (and still have) NO idea what he looks like. But his music makes up for that dilemma. Hellogoodbye had a love child with Bring Me The Horizon and created So Long Secrets. Enjoy ~
-What was the reason you decided to start pursuing music?
1. I suppose the reason I got into doing the music I do is probably Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails. When I first heard the “Broken” EP, I said to myself THAT is what I want to do right there.
-Story behind the name ”So Long Secrets”?
2. So Long Secrets was actually a line in a poem I wrote a while ago called “Machine Language” about the complete and global connection (and thus loss of privacy) that the Internet brings to the World. “Goodbye privacy, so long secrets.”
-Favorite thing a fan has said or done?
3. I have this one quoted on the top of my Myspace page actually “I liked your music, it made my soul dance.” That made my day.
-If you weren’t doing SLS, what would you be doing?
4. Well, before this I actually wrote a book of poetry and had it published, but that was never a full time thing. I guess I would be doing what I’m doing right now, and that is searching out a way to make my voice heard among the masses and make money while I’m doing it. Hahaha.
”I’d love to leave this world a little better than before, give up all I have so you can have a little more, I’d love to burn my clothes and finally become poor, but I guess that’s not my style,”–Vince Pierri
There’s a man in a grey shirt, who looks remarkably like Tobey Maguire mixed with Gyllenhaal, with long brown hair, jeans, and the look of disaster on his face running around a church screaming ”BOOST UP THE VOCALS!” while Grand Finale are preparing for sound check. They’re all wondering where their keyboardist Mikey is, and it’s twenty minutes before a benefit show for a charity that prevents child prostitution. I remember the first time I listened to Big City Someone. The first single I heard was ”I Always Say Chicago”. I immediately wanted to know what song was playing and who sang it. The first time I met him was on the night he would say he ”was running around like a chicken with its head cut off” because he was running the show, along with playing it. Big City Someone is Vince Pierri from Mundelein, and a Macbook. I can’t say much more other than that Vince is well, to say the least, really cool. He played after Tk Proposal who you should definitely check out in the interview I’ll post later. When Vince performs, his legs fidget and he doesn’t open his fluttering eyes until it’s all over. I know we did this interview forever (two months to be exact!) ago, but I had some of those ridiculous technical difficulties. I need a new video
camera, this was my first time editing a live interview, and it’s okay quality, but I really hope you enjoy ! =) You should definitely go to one of his few shows. Meet him before or after and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Not only that, but his music will make you stop talking and listen. He was born into a family with 5 other siblings (two of which are also involved in music) making it hard to pursue music alone. But he’s done just that, and I have never had more fun than when we are gallavanting around the small town of Grayslake after the show trying to explain to him that there is no where to go to besides the cornfields. After being in other bands and doing previous shows, he’s finally settled and said that this is the last band he’ll be in. After being looked upon by the six-membered Christian rock band Underoath, they said, ”Of course Big City is Someone. This dude Read More
She’s been on tour with Kate Voegele, performed with Damian Rice, had songs featured in One Tree Hill, and landed several guest appearances on Gilmore Girls. Amy Kuney, a truly incredible lyricist, is definitely an artist to watch. Here’s our interview with this musician on the rise. Read More
The creepiest thing I’ve ever done for a band was, well I’m not sure since I tend to do strange things, but I do know that it didn’t involve me cutting someone’s name into my skin. Someone did, however, bleed through the process of cutting Mark McMillon from Ohio’s The Story Changes name into her arm. I literally feel sick typing this. Ahh. Anywho, The Story Changes consists of two dudes, Mark & Poppy, from Dayton, Ohio. And you should listen to them because well, I said so and if a person was willing to permanently damage their skin for the sake of showing some love for the band, then you know they must be worth it.
Q. The worst thing you have ever accidentally done on stage?
A. The first thing that comes to mind is a show in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. The soundman asked to record our set and we said yes. We figured it was a typical soundboard recording or some room mics in the back of the club, but he ended up adding a lot of extra microphones everywhere on the tiny stage and used the big bulky mic stands that the club had. We all took a mental note of where the stuff was and the limited space we had left before we started, but somehow I managed to fall into some stuff and knock a lot of it over by the end of the second song and ended up Read More
In Arizona: The Grand Canyon, The Phoenix Suns, The Maine, and oh yeah, Mike Goodrick. With his poppish acoustic sound and his deep sincere lyrics he is out to make you smile. Seriously, that’s what he wants to do, make you smile. Influenced by bands like Relient K, he writes sad songs with happy upbeat music. The question is are you smiling yet?
1) How long have you been playing?
I’ve been singing in choir and stuff like that since I can remember.
I’ve been playing guitar for about 5 years. I taught myself in seventh grade how to play guitar and since then I’ve been teaching myself to play lots of other instruments like piano, trombone, viola, and the harp.
2) What made you want to become a musician?
Well I have always liked to sing but I never even considered it as a career choice until I got my first guitar for my 13th birthday. I immediately fell in love with Read More
”Because if looks could kill,
I’d die happy knowing it was you.” –Tire Swing Romance
Maryland was the home to famous bands such as All Time Low, Good Charlotte, Count Your Blessings, and it was also the breeding ground for the unsigned Dropout Year. They were 4 high schoolers playing covers in their basement and doing shows at churches just like any other band. What makes them special is their ability to communicate and relate to us fans. A really great band won’t care if their fans are creepy or are screaming their lungs out at their show. A superfabulousamazing band can still rock the van instead of the bus, and can get their exercise fix by walking from the van to the door at Taco Bell.
[1] Who’d you write ”Confetti” about?
That song is actually a fictional story. I mean, we all know people who live and die by their reputations, and this song was thought up along those lines. It’s about a girl who tries and tries to stay true to herself, but one night of Read More
I had the opportunity to meet the oh so famous Katy Perry at this year’s Warped Tour. She seems really nice. While I was on side stage, during the opening song One Of The Boys, a (pardon my language) really stupid, moronic, just really idiotic fan decided to throw a bottle of water at her during her performance. Unfortunately, he didn’t miss. He hit her head on. Dude, she got splashed. So she threw her guitar at her tech (wouldn’t you?) and flicked off the crowd. I honestly respect her for continuing on singing after the little interruption. I would have done the same thing but my performance would have included a few curse words…haha anywho, after she was done with the set, I asked her, ”what would you tell the person who threw it at you?” and here’s the video. Read More
and I have never had more fun than when we are gallavanting around the small town of Grayslake after the show trying to explain to him that there is no where to go to besides the cornfields. After being in other bands and doing previous shows, he’s finally settled and said that this is the last band he’ll be in. After being looked upon by the six-membered Christian rock band Underoath, they said, ”Of course Big City is Someone. This dude 
